Lanterns, Live Music, and a Whole Lot of Glow

At long last, we’ve got a sunny weekend on deck. No umbrellas. No flash flood warnings. Just the kind of summer night that begs for a little magic—and the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Summer Party is delivering exactly that on Saturday, June 21, from 6 to 10 p.m.

This isn’t your average garden stroll. Picture glowing puppet lanterns weaving through Storza Woods, live music tucked into every leafy corner, cocktails at the ready, and surprise characters peeking out from behind the trees. It’s one part solstice celebration, one part whimsical fever dream (the good kind), and it only happens once a year.

Here’s what to expect:

• Lantern parade at 8:30 p.m. led by the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. If you’ve seen their parades before, you know it’s not just lanterns—it’s a full-blown glowing spectacle through the forest.
• Four live music acts across the Garden:
  • Orquesta MaCuba bringing Latin heat in the Glade Garden
  • Phat Katz Brass Band leading the lantern parade
  • Michelle Winters with electric violin on the Canopy Walk
  • Amp’d Entertainment spinning dance tracks on the Great Lawn
• Face painting, photo ops, and lantern decorating stations for anyone who wants to fully lean in (and you should)
• The last chance to catch Alice’s Wonderland before it leaves the Garden—and the debut of Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics

Food and drink? Everywhere.

There are cash bars throughout the Garden (card only, no cash accepted), plus food options ranging from gelato and Italian ice to a taco bar, crepes, and picnic boxes packed with mini sandwiches and strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Order a Summertime Chef’s Picnic Box for Two ahead of time for $45, or take your chances day-of (while supplies last). It’s packed with enough sweet, savory, and Southern to make sharing optional.

If you’re feeling fancy, Premium Admission includes:

• Early entry at 6 p.m. (general admission begins at 6:30)
• A sensory garden-to-glass tour with ASW Distillery and the Edible Garden
• A complimentary cocktail or mocktail
• A frozen custard treat from YOM

Premium tickets:

• $95–$100 for adults
• $30–$35 for children

General admission:

• $60–$65 for adults
• $20–$25 for children

Tickets are required for everyone, including members. Advance purchase is strongly recommended—this one tends to sell out.

Getting there:

Parking is $10 in the deck, but rideshare users, bikers, and walkers get a free mocktail drink ticket and are entered to win tickets to a future Garden event. Call it a reward for not circling the lot for 30 minutes.

Leave your lawn chairs, outside snacks, and vapes at home—none are allowed inside the Garden. But do bring your ID if you want to hit the bar. The last drinks are poured at 9:30 p.m., and the glow fades out by 10.

If you needed an excuse to dress up, walk under the stars, and toast the longest day of the year with something cold in your hand—this is it.